History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 141

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014

USA > Ohio > Medina County > History of Medina county and Ohio > Part 141

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Barbara, Mrs. Theodore Bucher, in Cleveland ; Adam, in New York ; Sarah, Mrs. Frank Mack, of Cleveland. The grandfather of our subject, on the Kuder side, was George. He was born in Germany, and emigrated to Pennsylvania when he was young, the country being almost in a wilderness condition. Here he settled, and grew up with the county, and raised a numerous progeny. Sixteen children were the fruits of his marriage. About the year 1835, in the early part, George camc West with his parents, who selected Sharon Township as their place of settlement, purchasing 100 acres, for which he paid $800. Raised upon a farm from his youth, our subject, after becoming his "own man," took to farming as a life business, which he has since followed. Mr. Kuder has been twice mar- ried ; his union with his first wife was of short duration. Her name was Matilda Woolford, a native of Wayne Co., Ohio, who died eleven months after marriage, leaving no issue. March 22, 1849, he was married to his present wife, whose name was Sarah J. Frank, who was born in Canaan Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 7, 1828, of a family of seven brothers and two sisters, eight of the number grew to be men and women. She was. the eldest of the number. Of those living are Daniel, in Wayne ; Mary E., Mrs. Daniel Collier, of Summit Co .; Isaiah, in Wadsworth ; Henry A., in Summit, and Hughs, in Sharon Township. Mrs. Kuder's father was one of the pioneers in that county ; his name was Peter Frank ; her mother's maiden name was Nancy Ball ; he was born June 23, 1789, in Washington Co., Penn. ; she was born in Mary- land, and went to Pennsylvania when young. Mrs. Kuder was rocked in a sap-trough. Her father walked out from Pennsylvania and en- tered the land from the Government, and cleared up a farm in the woods. He lived until Feb. 8, 1872. She died March 23, 1864. Both were members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Kuder's parents were members of the Lutheran Church. He died June, 1858, at the age of 63. Mr. Kuder has now 170 acres of land, and in state of cultivation. His commencement in life was like many others who came West. He was poor ; had nothing to begin with for the first three years. He rented land ; finally purchased about 90 acres in the northeast part of the town- ship, and, by diligence and careful management, assisted by his prudent wife, he has made a competence for himself and family during the

thirty years of his residence in the township. Of four children born them, but two are living -- Ada L. aud Marcia May. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kuder are members of the Presbyterian Church.

NATHAN MINER, farmer ; P. O. Pike Sta- tion ; born March 8, 1810, in the town of Milton, Saratoga Co., N. Y ; was the youngest of a family of five children. His parents were Asa and Ruth (Barrass) Miner ; he was a na- tive of Connecticut ; she, of Saratoga. After several years' residence in Saratoga Co., they removed to Truxton, Cortland Co., where they lived until 1825, when they emigrated West, which journey occupied nineteen days and a half, locating in this township, west of Seville one mile, on the farm now owned by Halsey Hulburt. Their journey from Medina to their stopping-place was attended with difficul- ties, in consequence of the primitive con- dition of the roads. Remaining here about five years, they finally moved farther south, where they remained until their death. Na- than's father was a farmer, but was unable to give his children much, if any, financial aid. Hence Nathan embarked for himself at his ma- jority ; with ax in hand, he took jobs clearing off timber. For cutting, clearing and fencing, he would receive $10 per acre for his labor. He continued at this business for several years, working both in this and in Wayne Co. in dif- ferent townships. While at the business, he was enabled to acquire means to make a pur- chase of 70 acres of land, for which he paid $3.50 per acre, where he now resides, which was un- improved. Building him a log cabin, he opened warfare against his woody surroundings, and was afterward rewarded by the garnered prod- ucts from off the cultivated fields as the fruits of his toil and hardy endurance. At the age of 27, he was married to Rosetta Stanford, born April 2, 1817, in Jefferson Co., N. Y. She was a daugh- ter of William and Rebecca (Eastman) Stan- ford, to whom were born eight children. Thrce children have crowned the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miner. But two are living-Helen M., now Mrs. Samuel Benjamin, and Emily C., now Mrs. Myron G. Owen. Mrs. Miner came ont with her parents in 1822, who located in the northwest part of the township. Mr. Miner has ever been a worthy member of society, a good man and an accommodating neighbor. Having divided out some of his land to his children, he has 40 acres left, and valuable

WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP.

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property at Pike Station-good house and lot and 17 acres.

MRS. EMMA MEAD, farming ; P. O. Bur- bank ; born in Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio, in January, 1843, daughter of Michael and Sarah (Earl) Rinder. Michael Rinder was a native of Germany, emigrating to this State at the age of 21, and was married to his wife, who was a na- tive of Tennessee. To them were born seven children, Emma being the sixth in order of birth. The family were raised in Stark Co., where they were born. Mrs. Mead's parents died when she was young, and was thus left without any paternal counselors. In 1867, she was united by marriage to Ezra M. Mead, whose name she now bears, who was a native of New York State-place of nativity, near Rochester .- and came West at the close of the late war. He was among the successful farmers of the township ; was a man highly respected as a good neighbor and substantial citizen ; he died June 6, 1877. Since his death, Mrs. Mead has remained on the farm, which she conducts in a creditable manner, having, since his death, pur- chased 92 acres known as the George Bowman farm. She has recently built a neat and sub- stantial dwelling, where she and her son Ezra reside in comfort and comparative retirement.

GEORGE MCCRACKEN, farmer ; P. O. Le- roy ; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., in 1820, and came West in 1848, locating on the farm he now owns. He was married in Pennsylva- nia, March 5, 1840, to Hannah Byers, who was born May 2, 1824, five miles east of Chambers- burg, in Franklin Co., Penn .; is a daughter of Frederick and Anna (Ebey) Byers ; both were born in Pennsylvania, in the year 1768. The McCrackens are of Irish extraction. The par- ents of George were Thomas and Polly (Gates) McCracken. He was born in Franklin Co., and received good school advantages, which were improved ; afterward, was engaged as teacher for several years ; was a man of good informa- tion, and had well-defined ideas of business, in which he was very successful. He came West in 1846, makiug his first stop in Canaan Township, Wayne Co., remaining a short time, locating permanently in this township, where he lived until removed by death, which oc- curred in 1875. Upon his arrival in this coun- ty, he made several land purchases, in Ca- naan, Westfield and Harrisville Townships ; was a good financier, and went upon the ready-

pay principle ; was not a member of any ortho- dox church, yet was in favor of Christianity ; generally attended church, and gave liberally toward their support, aud was a solid man in the community. Of eight children born to our subject, five are living, viz., William, now of Jasper Co., Mo .; of those yet at home are Anna, Lizzie, Frank and Fred.

OLIVER MORTON, farmer ; P. O. Leroy. Prominently identified with the early history of this township is the Morton family. Oliver, whose portrait appears in this book, was born in Allegheny Co., Penn., May 15, 1819, and came West with his parents, on horseback, when he was 3 weeks old. His father had been out two years previous, and returned to Penn- sylvania and made preparations for removing his family. Oliver's father's name was John J. Morton, a native of Chester Co., Penn., and a near relative of the Morton whose signature appears on the Declaration of Independence. John J. was married to Jane Oliver, and by her had seven children, among whom was Fannie, the first white child born in this town- ship. Oliver's father made his first settlement at Morse's Corners, where he purchased 40 acres of land, which was, as the surround- ing country, all a dense mass of heavy timber. Oliver's father was a poor man, and, early in life, our subject learned to "rough it," and, at the age of 13, he was thrown upon his own re- sources. For the first pair of leather shoes he ever wore, he paid $1.75, which money he earned by cutting cord-wood at 18 cents per cord. Their diet was of the plainest character --- corn bread three times a day-and he quaintly remarked, that to such an extent did they use this diet, that lie " was almost ashamed to look a hog square in the face." His school advantages were such as the backwoods af- forded, attending a few days each year. Their desks and seats were of the rudest kind imag- inable ; the light admitted through crevices in the logs, or greased paper, in the place of wiu- dow-lights. He was glad to receive $9 per month for his labor, and has swung " Arm- strong's reaper" many a long day for 75 cents. At the age of 25. he was married to Delilah Mc- Conkey, who was born in Doylestown, Wayne Co., July 4, 1820, daughter of Samuel and Sa- mantha McConkey, who were among the early settlers in that county, Ohio. Mr. Morton made his first purchase of land at Westfield Center, of

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55 acres at $13 per acre, and, while it was freely predicted that he would never pay for it, every payment was promptly met. He bought him a team of horses and a wagon for $90; hired out, working at $1.25 per day, thus en- abling him to meet his payments. Since that time, he has made several additions and changes, until he has become forehanded. Later in life, he engaged in stock-trading, buy- ing and selling cattle, hogs and sheep, at which he was successful. His wife died April 3, 1861, leaving six children, five living-Charlotte ; Harriet, now Mrs. Allen McCabe ; George ; Frank and Johnnie. In 1869, he was married to Mrs. Jane Hickeard, born in September, 1833, in Wayne Co. Mr. Morton has always borne a prominent part as a citizen in the township in which he has so long been a resident. Dem- ocratic from a political standpoint, yet he has never been a radical or an extremist in his views, but decided and positive in his opinions. In theory and practice, he has been a Temper- ance man-has yet to drink his first glass of whisky or intoxicating liquor. He has for sev- eral years been a member of the M. E. Church, adorning the same by an upright walk consist- ent with his profession. Since 1858, he has been an efficient member of the Board of Di- rectors of the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Com- pany, one of the most worthy and prominent in- stitutions of the county. For a further account of the same, see township history of Westfield.

B. B. NORTON, farmer ; P. O. Burbank ; is one of the pioneers of this township. Born Aug. 15, 1807, in Litchfield Co., Conn. His parents were Miles and Lois (McNeil) Norton. Miles was born Dec. 6, 1775, and was married June 1, 1797, to Lois McNeil, who was born Dec. 5, 1779. To them were born ten children, B. B. being the sixth. This venerable couple died May 25, 1835 and 1843, respectively. Lois McNeil's father was named Isaac, and was born in 1748, May 23, and was married Jan. 24, 1771, to Lois Baldwin, who was born Feb. 29, 1752, and died, respectively, Sept. 20, 1839, and May 14, 1843 .. Our subject emigrated West with his parents in 1823, he being a lad of 15. His father purchased 643 acres, all of which was unscathed by the woodman's ax. Their nearest neighbors were the red men of the for- est; bears, wolves and wild game "roamed the woodland o'er." The family came out in a wag- on, which was their carriage by day and their

house at night. B. B. now resides upon a por- tion of the land his father settled. In 1833, our subject was married to Emily Ward, who was a native of Canada. By this marriage, six children were born ; of those living, are Samuel, Charles, David, George and Anna A. Wife died in 1855. His present wife was Clarissa Rogers, who was born December, 1821, in Har- risville Township, the second child of Isaac and Anna (Brainard) Rogers, who were among the earliest settlers in that township. Isaac was born Feb. 3, 1794, near Hartford, Conn., and was married July 8, 1819. To them were born ten children; eight of the number lived to be grown. Mr. Rogers was 4 years of age when his father died. He then moved with his mother to Cayuga Co., N. Y., remaining there until he came West. Came with a horse and sleigh in 1817, with Squire Fitts, and boarded with Judge Harris until he built him a cabin, returned East, got married, and re- turned in 1819. Their commencement was with with furniture of the rudest sort. Mrs. Norton was lulled to sleep in a sap-trough. Her mother had but three sheets when they set up house- keeping. Mr. Rogers being a hard-working man and a good manager, he had accumulated, at the time of his death, 700 acres of land. He died Feb. 3, 1861; wife, Oct. 30, 1847. To Mr. and Mrs. Norton has been born one child-Ida C., now the wife of Andrew Rey- nolds, of this township. Mr. Norton has been a soldier of the cross for fifty-two years. Ex- perienced religion at the age of 19, at camp meeting, and soon after identified himself with the M. E. Church, and for many years afterward was Class-leader, and is now like a shock of corn fully ripe, and fit for the Master's use. Since the dissolution of the Whig party, he has been a member of the Republican. Sent two sons to the war, who served three years- George B., in 103d O. V. I., and Lauren D., in 124th O. V. I., and were true and valorous sol- diers, and imperiled their lives in many hard- fought battles of the war in defense of their country. Mr. Norton is yet residing on the same land his father settled. He has 160 acres, and Mrs. Norton 75, in her own right, and are spending the evening of their lives in the quiet of their pleasant home.

S. H. POMEROY, retired farmer. Samuel H. Pomeroy was born March 15, 1810, in Bris- tol, Ontario Co., N. Y. His parents were Sam-

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uel and Penelope (Allen) Pomeroy, who were natives of Connecticut. To them were born ten children, whose names are Allen, Elisha, Mary S., Lucy, Penelope, Urina, Moses, Cyn- thia, Hannah and Richard The Allens and Pomeroys are of English extraction. Samuel was raised to farming, and, at the age of 21, he began working by the month, continuing four years thus employed. In 1833, he came West and took up a piece of land (127 acres) in this township, which was uuimproved. Returning to New York that fall, he remained until the spring of 1835, when he retraced his steps to his wilderness home. In June of the same year, he married Almina Simmons, who was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in October, 1810, who was a daughter of Jonathan and Ruth (Gooding) Simmons. Having erected a log cabin, he moved into the same in September. His place of settlement was in the northwest part of the township, now owned by Mr. Unangst. Mr. Pomeroy continued on this purchase for about twenty years, and after- ward made a purchase of 75 acres, re- maining here until 1863. Hc then went to La Fayette Township, where he had charge of the County Infirmary for seven years. Then sold his farm and purchased a small farm in Montville Township, where he lived three years ; then located in Westfield Cen- ter, where he has since lived. His wife died in 1873. By her he had five children, who are Allen, Ruth, Mary, Jonathan and Simpson. March 23, 1874, he was married to Mrs. Christina Hicox, born in April, 1821, in Ontario Co., N. Y., whose maiden name was Allen. Her mother's name, prior to her mar- riage, was Ruth Simmons. Mrs. Pomeroy's first husband was a King, and by him she had four children. Mr. Pomeroy and wife now re- side in their comfortable home, enjoying the eve of their life in contentment and happiness. Few men in the county have been more promi- nently associated in an official way with their township than Mr. P. He has served as In- firmary Superintendent, Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee, Constable, Assessor, and now as one of the Directors of the Ohio Farm- ers' Insurance Company. He is one of the Trustees of the Universalist Church, and was one of its first members, and has ever sustained the character of an honest man and worthy citizen, and a loyal and true Republican.

N. N. REESE, farmer and fish propagator ; P. O. Le Roy ; was boru in Sharon Township, this county, April 2, 1844. Twelve children were born to his parents, nine of the number now living-William, and Aurelia, now Mrs. L. Frazier, in La Fayette ; Jeannette, Mrs. J. Ham- ilton, in Sullivau Co., Mo .; N. N., in Westfield ; Laverna, Egbert and Freeborn, in Wadsworth ; Lauren, in Montville ; also Clara, Mrs. Watters ; Franklin F., Gertrude and Fremont were the number born to Jacob N. and Jane S. (Phelps) Reese. Jacob was the son of Nicholas Reese. Jacob Reese was born Junc 20, 1814 ; his wife, May 22, 1820. The Reese family are supposed to be descended from Hollanders. The Phelps are of Yankee stock. Both families emigrated West many years ago, and were among the first settlers in Summit Co. Here Nicholas died. His son Jacob, after leaving Summit Co., located in Sharon Township, where he purchased 100 acres in the " Woods ;" built a double log house in the forest. Soon after its crection, one Ham- ilton occupied one end, he the other. One night in a storm, a huge oak blew down, falling di- rectly between the two rooms in the open court, and, fortunately, no one was injured, but most terribly frightened. Subsequently, he moved to Wadsworth, and purchased the Hard farm ; still later, the Phelps homestead. He made several changes, and finally settled in Guilford Township, where he now resides. Newton was raised to farming ; his boyhood days were spent at school, and making himself useful in assist- ing in the home duties. July 4, 1863, cnlisted in Co. G, 86th O. V. I. ; served eight months. During this time, was in active service in and about Cumberland Gap, and assisted in captur- ing that famous raider, John Morgan. Upon his return home, he was married, July 4, 1864, to Maria Beck, who was born in Northampton Co., Penn., Oct. 12, 1846, whose parents were Joseph and Eliza (Long) Beck, who came West in 1851, and located in Guilford Township, on the River Styx, where he now resides. Mrs. Beck died Dec. 24, 1874, at the age of 53. Mrs. Reese is of a family of seven children, five sisters and two brothers, she being the third in order of birth, all of them now living. Since Newton was married, he has made several changes. He was burned out once, losing all his house chattels. In 1876, purchased the old Henry farm, one mile cast of the Center, and is engaged in farming and in fish culture. In

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1878, began the growth and propagation of gold- fish. He has four ponds, and is making the business his study, and intends to engage in this enterprise upon a large scale, and is now prepared to fill orders for large or small quan- tities, and is awakening considerable interest in the minds of the people who have a taste for golden finny species as house ornaments. He keeps glass globes of all sizes, and can supply aquariums to order, and at reduced prices. He has four children, viz., Melville R., Minnie L., Jeannette M. and Maggic M. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. In matters of politics, the Reese family are all strongly Republican.

S. R. RICHARDS, insurance ; Le Roy. The efficient Postmaster of this township is Samuel R. Richards, who was born June 25, 1817, in Coventry Township, Chenango Co., N. Y .; son of Gideon and Mehitable (Hunger- ford) Richards, who were natives of Connecti- cut. Gideon was the son of Noah, who was a son of Samuel R., who was the great-grand- father of our subject. Noah was a hatter by occupation, as was his son Gideon ; the latter was the head of a family consisting of eleveu children, Samuel R. bcing the youngest of the number. Of those who arrived to maturity, besides S. R., were Emily, Eliza, Maria and Susan. Gideon removed to Chenango Co. from Connecticut, after the war of 1812; remained until 1819, when he moved to Tyler Co., Va .; 1823, emigrated to Medina Co., with his family. Medina at this time had two or three frame buildings. Remaining in Medina a short time, the family removed to Akron, Summit Co., at the time of the building of the Ohio Canal. Gideon Richards died Oct. 23, 1827, aged 55, and was buried near where the college now stands. He was a member of the Masonic order the greater part of his life; while at Me- dina, was Secretary of the Lodge, his son, Samuel R., having his apron now in his posses- sion, which was made in 1812. His wife died March 15, 1851, aged 72. Samuel went to learn the blacksmith's trade in 1832, at Bruns- wick ; completing the same, worked one year at journey work ; 1839, set up for himself, remain- ing there until 1842; afterward worked two years in Liverpool Township ; 1844, he came to Westfield Township, and since has made it his constant place of residence, working at his trade until 1855 ; since that datc has been in

the insurance business, in the employ of the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Co. and, with one exception, is one of their oldest agents. His territory is Crawford Co. and part of Huron ; is one of the company's successful agents ; since November, 1862, was appointed Postmas- ter, and has since served in that capacity, and through his efforts and good management, the people are enjoying the luxury of a daily mail. Nov. 16, 1839, he was married to Amy Eggles- ton, by whom he has had seven children, who are Maria, now Mrs. John C. Ramsey ; Will- iam G., in Westfield ; George I., in Page Co., Iowa ; Albert, in Bucyrus, Crawford Co .; Irwin (deceased), and Cora. Mr. Richards has ever been a consistent and enthusiastic supporter of Republican principles, cast his first vote for Joseph Vance. Universalist in doctrine, has been the Recording Clerk of his church many years, and a member of the A., F. & A. M. since 1857. Mr. Richards has always sustained in the community the character of an upright man and worthy citizen of the commonwealth.

PETER RICE, farmer ; P. O. Le Roy ; was born Nov. 26, 1813, in Lehigh Co., Penn., of a family of ten children-five boys and five girls -whose parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Sipes) Rice, who were natives of Lehigh Co., near Allentown, and moved to Butler Co., 1815, where they remained permanently. July 14, 1839, Mr. Rice was married to Elizabeth Weiz, who was born May 9, 1818, in Butler Co., Penn., daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Boy- er) Weiz, who were natives of Bucks Co., and had nine children, six of whom grew to matu- rity. Mr. Rice was raised to hard labor-had not the advantages now afforded the young, he grew up without any education. After his marriage he had nothing to begin with, except his hands, which he industriously employed- worked out by the month and day, at low wages, cutting cord-wood at 25c per cord, threshing rye with a flail for the ninth bushel ; thus he labored on for several years, and with the assistance of his faithful wife, he was ena- bled to accumulate sufficient means to purchase some land, his first being 35 acres, afterward adding 10 ; kept the same several years ; sold it and bought 71, which he afterward sold and bought 101 of his father-in-law, which he owned until November, 1865, when he emigrated to this county, locating where he now resides ; has got a good farm, consisting of 80 acres, at

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WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP.

Westfield Center ; has good improvements, hav- ing recently huilt a substantial barn and re- built and remodeled his house, having now an excellent home, in which to enjoy the remain- der of his days. To him have been born eleven children, eight of whom are living, who are Jacob, now in Butler Co., Penn., born May 5, 1840 ; Hannah, horn March 16, 1844 ; Lizzie, born Jan. 28, 1847 ; Katie, born 1849 ; Henry, born Sept. 17, 1854; George, born Sept. 30, 1856; Julia, born March 20, 1858 ; Mary, born Oct. 4, 1859; children all married and doing for themselves, with the exception of the youngest, who is unmarried and is one of the teachers of the township.

ANDREW R. REYNOLDS, farmer ; P. O. Leroy ; is of the fourth generation of the name, who have descended from one John Reynolds, who was a fisherman from Marblehead, Mass., and who was born in the year 1743. From him descended the grandfather of our subject, Joseph Reynolds, who was born Oct. 12, 1775, and was married to Rebecca Jaquith, who was born : July 9, 1782, and were married Nov. 11, 1802. To them were born five ehildren, the eldest he- ing Joseph, Jr., the father of our subject, who was born Sept. 20, 1804, and was married to Harriet Henderson. The Reynolds family emi- grated West in October, 1831, where Joseph purchased about 200 aeres of land in the west part of the township, a portion of which is now owned by Andrew. He was a shoemaker by trade, and, for some years after his arrival, plied his trade, which vocation he taught his son- Joseph, Jr. His son first made a short stay at Morse's Corners, then moved to La Fayette Township, where he took up a piece of the " Fowler land ;" remaining there a short time, he abandoned it and removed to this township, where he finally located on a portion of the land his father had purchased, and settled perma- nently. Here Andrew was born, where he now resides, Aug. 7, 1851 ; is the youngestof a family of nine ehildren, eight of whom grew up-Joseph, Jr., died March 24, 1863; his wife, Harriet, died Oct. 24, 1877, aged 68 years 4 months and 13 days ; Joseph, Sr., died Feb. 15, 1853. An- drew R. was married Dee. 25, 1879, to Ida C. Rogers, born Feb. 3, 1858 ; daughter of B. B. and Clarissa (Rogers) Norton, both of whom are early residents of this county. Andrew and wife are members of the Universalist Church, and is now engaged in farming.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 141

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1014

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014